An investigative report by the BBC published on March 3, 2025, raises an alarm over children’s exploitation on TikTok livestreams in Kenya.
Titled “TikTok Profiting from Sexual Livestreams in Kenya Involving Children,” the report claims that minors are exploited through sexualized livestreams, whereby TikTok is allegedly pocketing some of the proceeds.
In response, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has initiated an urgent investigation and has demanded immediate action from the social media giant.
The Allegations: How TikTok May Be Profiting from Exploitation
The BBC report claims that:
- Minors in Kenya engage in sexual acts on livestreams, where viewers send digital gifts convertible to money.
- TikTok supposedly takes a large cut of these earnings, which raises concerns over the moderation of content upon which the platform failed.
- This revelation really highlighted gaping holes in TikTok’s enforcement of its policies against child exploitation.
These findings have caused outrage in the public and heightened scrutiny on TikTok.
Kenya’s Response: Government Takes Immediate Action
The Kenyan government has acted quickly in response to the revelations from the BBC. One of the country’s regulators for digital platforms, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), announced four key measures:
1. Directing TikTok to Remove Sexual Content Involving Minors
The CA issued a directive to TikTok to immediately take down all sexually exploitative content involving minors, including from live-streams.
2. Formal Inquiry Into TikTok’s Alleged Violations
The CA, along with other government agencies, has initiated a formal inquiry to uncover the truth about the allegations. TikTok could face sanctions and penalties should it be found on the wrong side of the Kenyan law.
3. Explanation of Content Moderation Failure and Other Demands
Regulators are requiring an explanation from TikTok on how such content could have escaped their content moderation systems. In addition, the platform must give a plan to strengthen the existing measures for children protection under Kenyan and international law.
4. Public Awareness and Parental Guidance
The CA has intensified education campaigns to increase the number of parents and guardians aware of child online safety issues. It encourages families to access parental control tools and resources through this platform.
Kenya’s Legal Framework on Online Child Protection
Kenya has laid down the most stringent laws when it comes to online exploitation of children, and they include:
- Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act (2018) – Online child exploitation and stiffer sentences for the crime.
- Films and Stage Plays Act (Cap 222) – The country’s laws by the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) to regulate content.
- Children Act (Cap 141) – Aligned with the Member State commitment towards global child rights protection.
- Data Protection Act (Cap 411C) – Guarantees that personal data of children are protected under Kenya law.
These laws align with international agreements, such as:
- United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
- African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
- International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Child Online Protection Guidelines
What’s Next? The Future of TikTok in Kenya
The BBC’s report has ignited global scrutiny over TikTok’s content moderation practices, particularly in developing countries. The Kenyan government has made it clear that it will not hesitate to act if TikTok is found violating child protection laws.
This comes as TikTok faces mounting pressure across the globe regarding its data privacy and content regulation measures as the latest controversy comes to the government regulators.
Will the company rise to ensure safety measures for minors, or will it face dire penalties and sanctions against it in Kenya? Only time will tell.
Follow us on WhatsApp, Telegram, Twitter, and Facebook, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter to ensure you don’t miss out on any future updates. Send tips to editorial@techtrendsmedia.co.ke
